SAGE PRESENTS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION, GAY LIBERATION FRONT

 

New York City, N.Y. –Following the Stonewall Uprising on June 27, 1969, a group of activists formed the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to rally and protest against the social degradation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Forty years later, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) reunites members of the GLF on Thursday, June 25 at the New York City LGBT Community Center, (208 W. 13th St.) by hosting a group discussion of the political movement that took shape in the shadow of the Stonewall Riots. 

“In the early days of the modern LGBT movement, the Gay Liberation Front was one of the most visible and vocal organizations promoting equality for the LGBT community,” said Michael Adams, Executive Director of SAGE. “ We must ensure that these women and men who led the charge in those early years    have the opportunity to tell their stories. Many members of SAGE got their start in GLF.  It’s that legacy that has long inspired SAGE’s to stand up with and for LGBT older adults. ers.

Organized by founding GLF member Jerry Hoose (long active in SAGE), with GLF alumni Perry Brass, and John Knoebel, the panel will be moderated by Andy Humm, LGBT activist and co-host of the TV news program Gay USA. Panelists include former GLF members: Giles Kotcher, Mark Siegel, Allen Young, Fran Winant, Jim Fouratt, Ron Auerbacher, Larry Kovacs, Michael Lavery, John Lauritsent, and Steven Dansky.

WHAT: The 40th Anniversary Reunion of the Gay Liberation Front includes a discussion and reception, as well as a screening of the only known footage from the first Gay Pride March in 1970. This event coincides with the LGBT Community Center’s photo exhibit by former GLF members Steve Dansky and Ellen Shumsky of historic events of the period, including Stonewall, the GLF, and some early marches.

WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2009 (6:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.)

WHERE: LGBT Community Center, (208 W. 13th St.)

WHO: Members of the Gay Liberation Front

An official Heritage of Pride event, the discussion and reception to follow are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sageusa.org or call 212-741-3590.

About SAGE (Services  Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
SAGE is the world's oldest and largest non-profit agency dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older people. Since its inception, SAGE has pioneered programs and services for the aging LGBT community, provided technical assistance and training to expand opportunities for LGBT older people across the country, and provided a national voice on LGBT aging issues. In 2005 SAGE became the first official LGBT delegate at a White House Conference on Aging. In 2008, SAGE presented its Fourth National Conference on LGBT Aging, entitled "It's About Time," sponsored by AARP. For more information, please visit www.sageusa.org.